Redskins, Bucs preseason game rescheduled due to potentially severe storm

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 30: A general view outside Raymond James Stadium before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers on December 30, 2007 in Tampa, Florida. The Panthers defeated the Bucs 31-23. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

You won't have to wait as long as you thought for the final week of the preseason to kick off.

The exhibition finale for the Washington Redskins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers has been moved to Wednesday night because of a potentially severe storm that could impact Tampa, Fla.

The game will kick off at 8 p.m. Wednesday instead of Thursday and will remain at Raymond James Stadium. Tropical Depression Nine is expected to hit the area Thursday.

"We have been in regular communication with administrators from the Tampa Sports Authority, Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa and the National Weather Service over the past day as it has become apparent that the most severe weather associated with Tropical Depression Nine will likely make landfall on Thursday," Buccaneers chief operating officer Brian Ford said. "This decision was made by both teams in conjunction with the National Football League and local authorities in an effort to ensure the safety of our fans, players and stadium staff."

The other 15 exhibition games for the final week of the preseason are scheduled for Thursday.